From what I have experienced, that part SYK said about the volume in a 1-volume configuration not acting like a switch is not true. I had an EMG 81 in a 1V, 1T, HSS configuration (single coils were passive, pots were 500k) and the volume still acted like a switch.

Circuit analysis says that shouldn't happen unless the volume pot is connected with the wiper as the input and the CW as the output. Or if your amp or pedal has a really low impedance input.

Quote:

Originally Posted by zakkwyldefan79

I've never tried using EMG's with 250K or 500K pots so I don't know. SYK usually knows his sh1t. I'll wait and see what he replies to that and maybe edit it out.

The output level will not
appreciably increase, but you’ll have increased headroom and crisper transients. This
is especially useful for percussive/slap bass styles where you can generate enormous
instantaneous power levels across the entire frequency spectrum

another thing is I have run the 81 with no battery and it still worked. it sounded like a crap passive pup. maybe that could go into the end of post 6.

Jim, I tried both of my EMG loaded guitars with no batteries today and didn't get any sound at all. If you had it in a guitar mixed with passives maybe you were getting some sound from one of the passives. I don't know man.